The New Mexico Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (NM LEEP) has selected its fifth cohort of deep-tech innovators. Beginning in January 2026, three new startups will collaborate with Laboratory experts to perfect new national security innovations in AI for wildfire mitigation, quantum radar antennae, and drones that detect helpful and harmful insects in crops.
“From protecting critical infrastructure from wildfire to advancing quantum detection capabilities, Cohort 5’s technologies directly support our national security mission,” said Molly Cernicek, program manager for NM LEEP. “We look forward to helping them advance these technologies where they are needed most.”
This year’s application cycle was one of the most competitive yet. Applicants from across New Mexico and beyond submitted proposals spanning national security, artificial intelligence, energy resilience, space systems and advanced biotech. After a rigorous review process, three fellows were selected. The innovators will collaborate closely with Laboratory experts to refine their prototypes, validate their technologies and build strategies for market entry.
The entrepreneurs are:
Holly Eagleston, Firescape AI — An all-in-one wildfire risk platform for electric utilities, Firescape AI pairs satellite imaging with AI modeling to understand wildfire conditions, forecast wildfire spread and calculate mitigation approaches.
Stephen Buchanan, Bandelier Technologies — The company is using quantum radar to develop antennae that are more accurate and secure than existing technology.
Sonia Dagan, Atolla Tech — Atolla Tech stabilizes food production in an increasingly unpredictable climate by using AI-powered drones to monitor the presence of helpful pollinators and harmful pests in crops.
In addition, NM LEEP celebrates its returning fellows entering their second year. They are:
- Luis Chavez, Axolo — A Laboratory spinout developing a system for capturing waste methane from landfills and converting it into fuel.
- Kyle Guin, VastVision — A Sandia National Laboratories spinout developing an advanced inventory-tracking system that can not only chronicle where products are stored, but incorporates sensors that survey the products’ shelf lives, emissions and battery life.
Since its launch in 2021, NM LEEP has supported 10 deep-tech startups and innovators who have gone on to raise $36 million to advance their products’ development, establish strategic partnerships and create high-quality jobs throughout New Mexico.
Applications for Cohort 6 open Feb. 11.
Stay in touch with NM LEEP on LinkedIn.
About NM LEEP
The New Mexico Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (NM LEEP) is a two-year fellowship program that pairs deep-tech entrepreneurs with the unique talent and technology of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Fellows are matched with seed capital and a large network of mentors, customers and investors in this distinctive program. Targeted areas include advanced computing and AI, advanced materials, space systems, clean energy transition and biotechnology.
